Cough Mixture

June 30th, 2021

1lb dark treacle
1d. paregoric
1d. aniseed
1 quart water
1d. laudanum
1d. peppermint
1d. tincture of squills

Simmer the treacle and water until reduced to half the quantity. When nearly cold add the other ingredients. Mix well and bottle.

Dose, 1 teaspoonful when the cough is troublesome.

Source: The Northampton Cookery Book, M.A. Jeffery

Basilicon

June 28th, 2021

Yellow basilicon is made of equal quantities of bees-wax, white rosin, and frankincense. Melt them together over a slow fire, add the same weight of fresh lard, and strain it off while it is warm. This ointment is used for cleansing and healing wounds and ulcers.

Source: The Cook And Housekeeper’s Complete and Universal Dictionary, Mary Eaton

To Prevent Stains Under The Nails

June 26th, 2021

Dip the ends of the fingers in melted tallow before beginning a task which is likely to stain them.

Source: Fowler’s Household Helps, A.L. Fowler

Pile Ointment

June 24th, 2021

Cut some green shoots of elder early in the spring, clear away the bark, and put two good handfuls into a quart of thick cream. Boil it till it comes to an ointment, and as it rises take it off with a spoon, and be careful to prevent its burning. Strain the ointment through a fine cloth, and keep it for use.

Source: The Cook And Housekeeper’s Complete and Universal Dictionary, Mary Eaton

Sprains

June 22nd, 2021

These generally proceed from some external injury, attended with pain, swelling, and inflammation. A fomentation of vinegar, or camphorated spirits of wine, if applied immediately, will generally be sufficient: if not, a few drops of laudanum should be added. The fomentation should be frequently renewed, and the sprained part kept in a state of rest and relaxation.

Source: The Cook And Housekeeper’s Complete and Universal Dictionary, Mary Eaton

Stomachic Tincture

June 20th, 2021

Bruise an ounce and a half of Peruvian bark, and one of bitter dried orange peel. Steep it in brandy or proof spirit, for a fortnight, shaking it each day. Let it remain for a couple of days without shaking it, then decant the liquor. A tea spoonful of it in a wine glass of water, is a fine tonic.

Source: The New England Cook Book

Ring Worm

June 18th, 2021

This eruption, which generally appears on the head, in a circular form, attended with painful itching, is sometimes removed by rubbing it with black ink, or mushroom ketchup. The following preparation is also recommended. Wash some roots of sorrel quite clean, bruise them in a mortar, and steep them in white wine vinegar for two or three days. Then rub the liquor on the ring worm three or four times a day, till it begin to disappear.

Source: The Cook And Housekeeper’s Complete and Universal Dictionary, Mary Eaton

Elderberry Syrup

June 16th, 2021

Wash and strain the berries, which should be perfectly ripe, to a pint of the juice put a pint of molasses. Boil it twenty minutes, stirring it constantly; then take it from the fire, and when cold add to each quart four table spoonsful of brandy; bottle and cork it. This is an excellent remedy for a tight cough.

Source: The New England Cook Book

For Perspiration Odor

June 14th, 2021

The unpleasant odor of perspiration often causes much annoyance. Instead of using perfumery, wash the body with warm water to which has been added two tablespoonfuls of compound spirits of ammonia. This will leave the skin sweet, clean, and fresh.

Source: Fowler’s Household Helps, A.L. Fowler

Vegetable Ointment

June 12th, 2021

A small handful of smallage, red pimple, feverfew, rue, and pittory of the wall; simmer them in 1 lb. of unsalted butter, over a slow fire, half an hour: stir and press well, then strain it.

Source: The English Housekeeper, Anne Cobbett

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    NOTE: these remedies are listed only for information and/or amusement. They are not to be construed as medical advice of any type, nor are they recommended for use. Consult your doctor or other medical professional for any medical advice you require.